Chapter Fourteen.
End of January
Oakley
H arley was working at the blacksmith today. He’d had to work on finishing several orders if Harley wanted to fly out to Chicago for training. After a meeting with the inner circle, it had been decided to rent the smithy out on a yearly basis. Drake and the inner circle also informed Harley that his prospect status would end soon, when it would have anyway. Harley had nearly finished his time as prospect, and nobody saw no reason to prolong his status.
Aspen had regained twelve pounds and looked far healthier. Despite Archer mentioning the fact he wanted his room, he’d regressed and refused to consider one. Before they’d been incarcerated in that terrible place, Archer had been quite independent and had his own bedroom. Now, he was frightened of leaving Aspen. I was well aware Archer had been scarred by what happened.
The only way to reassure Archer was to keep his routine in place and offer lots of praise. Even that needed tailoring to Archer. You needed to be very specific about why and what you’re praising Archer for. Archer was also antsy. Before they’d been kidnapped, Archer had been attending school. Right now, he wasn’t enrolled in one, and that was affecting him.
With sheer hard work, we’d got nearly all of Archer’s routines back on track except school. While it was difficult and upset Archer, there was no point enrolling him in a school here because he’d miss it when in Chicago. And vice versa. In fact, Aspen and I had talked about getting Archer a private tutor, but then we felt he’d miss out on social interaction.
But there was also the quandary of Harley’s season colliding with school terms. Phoe had suggested a private tutor and maybe a social club in both states, which was plausible. It was something Aspen was weighing up and researching.
Aspen was down to a minor dose of the drugs now, and Doc Gibbons planned to stop it completely within the next few days. Everything was finally coming together. Neither of us had put pen to paper around the designs yet, simply because my asshole parents were somehow evading capture. Despite the serious charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment, and so on, they were still hiding.
While Harley was working, I’d decided to do some shopping. Aspen needed some new clothes. She’d literally worn nothing but pyjamas for the last few weeks, and now Aspen was gaining weight, she wanted to get out of bed.
I only bought a few outfits; there was no point in buying much as Aspen still had at least twenty-five pounds to gain.
I carried the bags back to the car Phoe had loaned me, a twenty-twenty-two blue Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, two-door coupe. Driving it was like a dream. Phoe explained to me that any of the cars in the huge garage were for use by the family. She had a range from sports cars to jeeps to SUVs to a tricked-out school bus, which amused me.
Distracted, I slung the bags in the car onto the backseat and was just about to get inside when a hand covered my mouth, holding a cloth.
Immediately, I began to fight, but within moments, I drifted off as the sweet scent of chloroform knocked me out cold.
◆◆◆
With a struggle, I opened my eyes or tried to. My head felt woozy and disorientated.
A small moan sounded as my stomach revolted, and I flopped on my side and dry heaved.
“Oakley’s up, Dad,” someone said.
Disorientated, I recognised that voice but couldn’t put a name to it. I tried to open my eyes when my face was covered once more.
Shit, what was happening?
◆◆◆
I came awake as I was jostled heavily. I bounced and then bounced again. Somebody was moving me.
Confused, I tried not to move as I struggled to gain control of my scattered thoughts, but something must have tipped the kidnappers off. The assholes drugged me again.
◆◆◆
The fuck was I staying here.
What the hell were they thinking?
Angrily, I scanned the room which I was locked into. My hands and feet were tied, and a gag was stuffed in my mouth. Sadly, I didn’t recognise anything, but guessed this was some sort of seedy hotel room.
The door opened, and Mom stormed in.
“You are awake. Good. You’re such a little bitch,” Mom snarled, ripping the gag out.
“Looks who’s talking. Who locked Aspen and Archer up in that hellhole for fucking money? You’re a social climbing whore who did nothing but spread her legs and take Dad’s cock,” I snapped, and Mom reeled back, stunned.
“Shut up, Oakley!”
“The fuck I will. I’ve no idea what you’re doing bringing me here, but whatever your plan is, forget it. Jesus, I’m married. Everything is in mine and Aspen’s names, and you’ll not get another penny. And you’ve added a second kidnapping to the warrant!” “You set the cops on us!” Mom screamed and slapped my face.
My head whipped sideways with the force of the blow, but I turned and stared. “Oh yeah, I did. And I’ll press charges for this as well. Whatever your stupid plan is, you’re going to fail.”
“Wrong. You’re going to marry Bronson, and we are to gain control of the money. This time, you will be joining Aspen. Or a similar place as that one is now blown,” Mom said smugly.
“You’ll not get shit. Mom, I’m married. Harley will receive everything. You are such fuckin’ idiots,” I hissed.
Mom slapped me again.
“Oakley, I know you lied about marrying that thug. No way would you marry someone like that. You’re going to wed Bronson!”
“Like fuck. I’ll die first.”
“Don’t be dramatic. You’ll marry Bronson and learn to be a good girl. When we get our hands on Aspen and Archer, you’ll obey us. Marching into Desmond’s office like your shit didn’t stink—” “How crude, Mom,” I sneered, but she continued.
“Thinking you could intimidate us. Seriously, Oakley, throwing your weight around like you’re important!”
“Go ahead, marry me off to that brainless twat. The marriage wouldn’t stand up in a court of law. Don’t you realise people are looking for me already? Jesus, you’re so fucking stupid!”
“Stop swearing. I’m your mother, I deserve respect!” Mom screamed.
“For what? You deserve nothing, you’ve earned nothing. You’re a damned idiot,” I yelled in return.
The door opened, and Dad, Reverend Jeffrey, and Bronson entered.
“Oh look, Huey, Dewey, and Louie have arrived. Really, Reverend, you are prepared to go to prison for kidnapping and forcing a bigamist marriage. I am married, I won’t be legally wed to your brainless son,” I snapped.
Bronson sneered. “Only needs to be legal enough for me to gain your money.”
“Oh, you stupid fucker, how will you do that? The money is in a joint account with my husband,” I said and laughed at their expressions. “Under the name of Mrs Oakley Michaelson, my actual fucking name. Stupid, so damn ignorant and greedy. Why was I ever afraid of you? You can’t claim anything from Miss Oakley Ferguson’s wealth because there’s nothing to have in that name! And my will leaves everything to Harley.” Dad turned red with temper as I laughed.
“You’ve kidnapped me for no reason. Do what you want, but I won’t sign anything over, nor will I give you the designs. And right now, my family, my real family, are searching for me. Once they track me down, you’ll all pay!”
As I watched, the four of them began arguing. Every minute meant that someone was closer to finding me. I just had to hold on.
◆◆◆
I watched as the four entered the room. Oakley was in there. I didn’t doubt it.
They’d not noticed me on their tail as I’d followed them. They had kidnapped a member of my family. I readied my weapon. They wouldn’t get away with it.
Today, I was hungry for blood.
◆◆◆
I couldn’t believe how they were acting.
Finally, Mom stormed out of the room with Dad on her heels. Reverend Jeffery turned to me with hate in his eyes.
“You are going to marry Bronson and sign everything over,” he ordered.
“Not happening.”
“Oh, it will. Because we have eyes on Aspen, and she’ll suffer in your place,” Reverend Jeffrey stated.
For a moment, a pang hit, and I had self-doubts, and then I thought of Harley. As soon as he knew I was missing, and he would by now, Harley would lock Aspen and Archer down. Reverend Jefferey wouldn’t get close.
Smirking, I lifted my chin and gazed at him.
“Do your worse. Because I’m not committing a crime by marrying Bronson illegally, and you can’t force me to sign shit. Go on, get the fuck out. Christ, I’m tired of looking at you. Are you truly a man of the church if money is your sole focus? You make me sick!” I spat on the floor at Reverend Jeffrey’s feet, and Bronson slapped and knocked me backwards.
“And you! You can only hit me while I’m tied up,” I sneered. “If I was free and able to fight, you’d not stand a chance!”
I was sickened to realise Bronson was hard from that slap. Hurting me had turned Bronson on.
An evil look plastered on Bronson’s face as he eyed me. “Dad, leave. Oakley’s about to learn who’s in charge!”
The door slammed as Reverend Jeffrey left. Bronson let fly with a few more slaps and then tackled me onto the bed. With my hands behind me and my legs tied, I was helpless.
I screamed and bucked my body, trying to shove him off. Determined to be heard, I kept screaming and yelling, hoping someone would hear and come to my rescue.
Bronson slapped me harder, even as I bit him several times.
Bronson tore my tee down the middle and fondled my breasts roughly.
I yelled and bit his cheek, making Bronson rear back with a yell. And then he kept going backwards. Happy to help him, I lifted my feet and kicked him hard, shoving him into the arms of a shadowy figure. Something hit Bronson’s head, and he went down.
I gazed into the wild eyes of Serenity as she calmly lifted a knife and stabbed Bronson in each thigh and then his hands.
“That asshole won’t be going anywhere,” Serenity said in a monotone voice.
“No.”
“He has to pay for kidnapping and attacking you,” Serenity replied, getting up and wiping the blood on her blade on Bronson’s clothing.
“How?” I asked, somehow guessing Serenity wasn’t about to call the cops.
“This fucker will escape justice. But not mine,” Serenity promised. “Go outside, there is a car there. Get in it, go home. Do it now, Oakley.” “Serenity, I can’t leave you alone! Mom, Dad, and Reverend Jeffery are also here,” I exclaimed.
Serenity looked at me with that eerie expression on her face.
“They have been taken care of. Go to the car and drive home. We’ll take care of everything else.” “Serenity!” I shrieked, exasperated.
“Oakley, you’ve no idea what I am capable of, nor what my family will do to protect our own. Stay in your safe little world and leave the ugliness to those who have seen plenty. You need to go, because I’m barely in control,” Serenity insisted.
I stood and walked to the door.
Serenity was watching me, and I felt like an insect under her inspection. At any moment, I felt she might attack like a praying mantis. Panicked, I let myself out.
“Oakley, talk to no one except Harley. He’ll meet you at home. I’ve told him you’re on your way.”
“Okay,” I said and left.
Harley
The first I knew of Oakley being kidnapped was when Serenity called me. She was chasing after them. It had been sheer dumb luck that Serenity had been out today and caught sight of Oakley. With the intention of asking Oakley to lunch, Serenity had followed and witnessed everything. Now, I was racing home towards Reading Hall, where Serenity had ordered me to go.
Serenity had called Dad and informed him, and he’d already got Jared and Christian heading out in a van. Luckily, the crematorium didn’t have any funerals today, and Ace was on his way there to prepare the furnace. That thing was worth its weight in gold. It went against the grain to come home and kick my heels, but I understood why. Oakley would no doubt be in shock and needed me. I couldn’t go on a rampage until she was safe and calm.
When Oakley pulled up, I was waiting outside. Serenity had sent another message informing me of what had happened.
I rushed down the steps and swept Oakley into my arms. My poor girl clung to me tightly as she cried. Mom approached from behind and rubbed Oakley’s shoulders.
“Bronson was trying to rape me when Serenity found me,” Oakley gasped.
“Oh, honey,” Mom murmured.
Oakley drew back and looked at me, and anger welled inside me. “What the fuck happened to your face?”
“Mom and Bronson both hit me. I bit Bronson back, though,” Oakley answered with pride. She wiped tears from her cheeks as her hands shook. “How bad is it?”
“You’re going to bruise and have black eyes,” Mom replied bluntly. Annoyed, I frowned at Mom, and she shrugged. “Harley, Oakley is going to look in a mirror. There’s no point sugarcoating it.”
“Yeah, but not just after she got attacked,” I hissed. I pulled Oakley back into my arms. I’d noticed her torn tee and fingerprints beginning to show on her breasts.
“Can I have a bath, please, or a shower? I need to wash Bronson off me,” Oakley asked.
I didn’t hesitate and picked Oakley up and carried her to my room. Mom busied herself running a bath while I stripped her naked. I helped Oakley into the fluffy robe that she adored and waited for Mom to leave before helping her into the tub.
I could see several marks and bruises on Oakley’s body, and my anger threatened to spiral out of control. Oakley sat there and let me wash her hair as she hugged her knees. I washed it three times before conditioning it. Gently, I ran a comb through it as Oakley emptied the cooling water and filled it with hot, fresh water.
Oakley loved her baths. I dumped some Epsom salts in it and followed through with her favourite bubble bath. Gently I picked up a leg and washed it before repeating on the other.
“If I wasn’t so sore, I’d probably be jumping your bones by now,” Oakley whispered.
“Then we’ll do this again when you’re not in shock.”
Oakley offered a weak giggle and held my gaze. “Serenity stayed behind.”
“Yeah.”
“She’d captured all four of them.”
“Yup.”
“Alone, Harley. Serenity did that by herself.”
I held Oakley’s gaze. “Yes, she did.”
“She’s going to kill them, isn’t she?”
“Do you want the actual truth, or what lets you sleep at night?”
“The real truth will let me sleep at night.”
“When we were on the streets, Serenity was a natural target. Even the filth couldn’t hide her beauty. She was attacked several times and escaped major harm. But Serenity developed a split persona that allowed her to cope. I don’t know how to describe it, she’s not schizophrenic or anything. But the street, the persona Street Serenity, ensured Serenity was safe. Since Mom adopted us, Street Serenity regressed into the background. Not needed until a serial killer kidnapped her.
“Street Serenity emerged and… played… with him. She left him barely alive with his cock and balls cut off and shoved down his throat. Serenity took her time torturing him before escaping. The only other time Street Serenity raised her head was when Reading Hall was attacked. The little fucker downed several men and dragged them into the forest. For days she toyed with them until Dad made her slit their throats, and he disappeared the bodies. She’d made rather a mess to clear up. Dad and the guys were complaining for ages.”
Oakley gazed at me, wide-eyed in shock. Yeah, it wasn’t the personality you expected from my delicate-looking sister.
“And now Bronson is in her hands? Along with my parents and Reverend Jeffrey?” Oakley muttered.
“If you don’t want Serenity set loose, tell me. Carmine and Tye are the only two who can rein her in. Dad will contact them.”
“She’ll cut Bronson’s cock and balls off and shove them down his throat?” Oakley whispered.
I sighed. That was something Oakley didn’t need to know, but I was honest. “Serenity will probably put them up his ass.”
“Wow.” Oakley glanced back at the bath water, and I sensed the struggle.
“I’ll call Dad and get him to corral Serenity,” I said. They’d still die, all of them, but cleanly, which is more than what they deserved.
“Is it wrong of me to hope Serenity does that?” Oakley whispered.
I looked at her. Oakley’s head hung low, and it appeared she was ashamed.
“What?”
“I want Serenity to hurt Bronson like he planned to hurt me. I want Serenity to carve him and them up and make them suffer. I don’t ever want to see fear on Aspen’s face that they might be coming for her. Harley, will you think less of me if I say kill them and make it hurt?” A tear ran down Oakley’s cheek, and I realised what was bothering her.
“Baby, I couldn’t give a shit how bloodthirsty you are. I love you, and that’s unconditional. I wouldn’t have cared if you’d beaten him into a bloody pulp. It’s kind of a turn on,” I teased, and Oakley let out a hysterical giggle.
“Let me tell you about Mom staking her ex-husband in the back,” I said as I kissed her poor, swollen lip.
“Phoe did that?”
“Yeah. Like a damn vampire. Never piss Mom off. She’s nasty, and if she doesn’t get you, Aunt Artemis will.”
Oakley listened with wide eyes as I told her some of the stories of the old ladies. Meanwhile, I washed her head to toe, got her out of the bath, and dried her off. Oakley grabbed some thick plaid pyjamas, and I carried her to Aspen.
Aspen gasped, and we explained what had happened and that the four were being held. We sat chatting until Oakley fell to sleep.
When Aspen looked around and didn’t see Archer hovering, she whispered, “Kill them, Harley. I know exactly what Oakley isn’t saying. Don’t hand her parents to the authorities. Those bastards need to die. Make them bleed and hurt and make them pay for Archer, Oakley and me. They’re money-grabbing scum. Also, get someone to dig into Reverend Jeffrey’s church. I bet anything he’s been stealing cash from it.”
“Aspen—”
“Harley, I’ve got eyes and ears. I am not stupid. Your MC is going to disappear them, all I’m asking is for you to make it hurt.”
“Damn, you Ferguson women are something,” I muttered, and Aspen laughed.
“Don’t ever piss us off. We create shit for a living. Just imagine what we could make to torture somebody. That’s an idea. How much would your club pay for unique items?” Aspen asked.
I gazed at her, partially horrified and the rest amused. “Welcome to the family, Aspen.”
“Thanks,” Aspen chirped and grinned at me. “Can you ask someone for a sketchbook and pencils on your way out?” I left the room at a clip. I had people to torture, and Aspen was scaring me a little.
She winked as I glanced over my shoulder.
Aspen ran a finger slowly across her throat and I nodded and hurried from the room. One Serenity was enough, and Jodie was no slouch either. What was it with the women in Rage? They were all nutcases, even extended family members!